Investigating how heat waves affect elderly patients with COPD
Heat Waves and the Elderly With COPD: Reducing Thermal and Cardiovascular Consequences
This study tests how older adults with COPD respond to heat waves to see if they are more at risk for health problems compared to healthy seniors.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 44 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Dallas, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT06295523 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to explore the thermoregulatory responses of older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) during simulated heat waves. It focuses on understanding the physiological mechanisms that make this population particularly vulnerable to heat-related complications, especially in relation to respiratory health. Participants will undergo two unique heat wave simulations to compare their responses with healthy age-matched individuals. The study seeks to fill a critical gap in knowledge regarding the impact of heat exposure on elderly patients with chronic diseases.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 65 and older who have a diagnosis of COPD.
Not a fit: Patients with known heart disease or other significant chronic medical conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved strategies for protecting elderly patients with COPD during heat waves, potentially reducing hospitalizations and fatalities.
How similar studies have performed: While previous studies have examined heat effects on healthy aging, this specific focus on elderly COPD patients during heat waves is novel and largely untested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 65 years old or older * Diagnosis of COPD Exclusion Criteria: * Known heart disease * Other chronic medical conditions requiring regular medical therapy including cancer, diabetes, uncontrolled hypertension, and uncontrolled hypercholesterolemia etc * Abnormality detected on routine screening suggestive of provokable ischemia or previously undetected cardiac disease or resting left bundle branch block on screening electrocardiogram * Current smokers * Participant with a body mass index ≥31 kg/m2
Where this trial is running
Dallas, Texas
- Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas — Dallas, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Whitley Atkins, PhD
- Email: whitleyatkins@texashealth.org
- Phone: 214-345-4729
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.